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Weather Comparison

Wellington vs Auckland

Side-by-side weather comparison for December

Wellington: 17°CAuckland: 21°C493 km apart

December Weather: Wellington vs Auckland

MetricWellingtonAucklandBetter
Average HighHigher is warmer17°C (63°F)21°C (70°F)Auckland
Average LowHigher is milder14°C (57°F)15°C (59°F)Auckland
Rain DaysFewer is drier11 days11 daysTie
PrecipitationLess is drier68 mm93 mmWellington
Sunshine HoursMore is sunnier12h/day11h/dayWellington
HumidityLower is more comfortable65%65%Tie
UV IndexLower is safer99Tie
Wind SpeedCalmer is better31 km/h25 km/hAuckland

Which City is Better in December?

Based on sunshine hours, rain days, comfortable temperatures, and humidity levels, Wellington edges ahead as the better destination in December. Wellington offers 12 hours of daily sunshine with only 11 rain days, while Auckland sees 11 sunshine hours and 11 rain days.

Wellington sits in the comfortable travel range at 17°C. Auckland is also comfortable at 21°C.

For travelers who prioritize dry weather, both cities are equally dry in December. Wellington receives 1 more hour of sunshine per day, which matters for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Temperature Comparison in December

Wellington reaches an average high of 17°C (63°F) and drops to 14°C (57°F) at night during December. The daily temperature range is 3°C, meaning relatively stable temperatures from day to night.

Auckland averages 21°C (70°F) for the high and 15°C (59°F) for the low, with a daily range of 6°C. The 4°C difference is noticeable but not dramatic.

Both cities are in the Southern Hemisphere, so they share the same seasonal pattern in December.

Rainfall Comparison in December

Wellington receives approximately 68 mm of rainfall across 11 rain days during December. You can expect rain roughly every other day.

Auckland sees 93 mm over 11 rain days. Both cities are equally rainy this month.

Both cities share similar humidity levels at 65%.

What to Pack: Wellington vs Auckland

Packing for Wellington in December

Highs of 17°C, lows of 14°C, 11 rain days

  • warm layers
  • a mid-weight jacket
  • long trousers
  • waterproof jacket
  • compact umbrella
  • waterproof shoes

Packing for Auckland in December

Highs of 21°C, lows of 15°C, 11 rain days

  • light layers
  • a light jacket for evenings
  • sunscreen
  • waterproof jacket
  • compact umbrella
  • waterproof shoes

Pack for both: waterproof jacket, compact umbrella, waterproof shoes. These items are useful in either destination during December.

Year-Round Comparison: Wellington vs Auckland

The table below shows average high temperatures and rain days for every month of the year, helping you find the best time to visit either city.December is highlighted for quick reference.

MonthWellingtonAuckland
HighRainHighRain
Jan18°C8d22°C9d
Feb19°C7d23°C9d
Mar18°C8d21°C8d
Apr16°C10d19°C10d
May14°C10d17°C12d
Jun12°C12d15°C12d
Jul11°C12d14°C14d
Aug12°C13d14°C15d
Sep13°C12d15°C14d
Oct14°C12d17°C12d
Nov15°C10d18°C11d
Dec17°C11d21°C11d
17°

Wellington Weather in December

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

21°

Auckland Weather in December

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Wellington warmer than Auckland in December?
No. In December, Auckland is warmer with an average high of 21°C (70°F) compared to Wellington at 17°C (63°F), a difference of 4°C.
Which city gets more rain in December, Wellington or Auckland?
Both cities average 11 rain days in December with similar precipitation levels.
Is it better to visit Wellington or Auckland in December?
It depends on your preferences. Wellington averages 17°C and 12 hours of daily sunshine with 11 rain days. Auckland averages 21°C with 11 sunshine hours and 11 rain days. If you prefer cooler conditions, choose Auckland. For fewer rain days, both are equal.
How far apart are Wellington and Auckland?
Wellington and Auckland are approximately 493 km (306 miles) apart. Wellington is located in New Zealand (Oceania) while Auckland is in New Zealand (Oceania).
What is the best month to visit Wellington and Auckland?
For Wellington, January tends to be the best month with 12 hours of daily sunshine and a high of 18°C. For Auckland, January is typically ideal with 12 sunshine hours and 22°C highs.

Compare Wellington and Auckland in Other Months

Climate data sourced from the Open-Meteo Historical Weather API, using ERA5 reanalysis data covering 30-year normals from 1991 to 2020. All temperatures shown in Celsius with Fahrenheit equivalents. Rain days count days with 1 mm or more of precipitation. Sunshine hours represent average daily values. This comparison is generated from long-term climate averages and individual trips may vary.

Wellington coordinates: -41.29°N, 174.78°E | Auckland coordinates: -36.85°N, 174.76°E